Before your eyes, papers are haphazardly scattered on the tile floor, the computer is in a cramped corner on a couple of milk crates, and you’re sitting in a purple beanbag while you evaluate your finances online. After printing out some paperwork to file, you look to the laundry basket “filing cabinet” in utter despair, and decide it might be time to make a small investment in your sanity: office furniture.

As a furniture buyer for a large insurance company, I have an insider's scoop on the different brands and styles of office furniture available, from the major manufacturers to store brand varieties, as well as the process of buying and installing quality furniture. Also, I can empathize; I was one of those people who used a laundry basket to store my mortgage papers.

I've found from working alongside many different people and departments, that price is always the first consideration when purchasing office furniture. Many people tend to want to pay nothing for something. Caveat Emptor – Buyer Beware! You will get what you pay for. If you buy a decent looking workstation from Staples or Office Depot, what you will end up with is a mid-to-low quality product, but you will pay less than other furniture brands. Think about your budget carefully. You want to get good quality product without getting hosed by eager or unwitting salesmen. Keep your expectations realistic. New office systems can range from $200 - $10,000, depending on the number of components, the finishes, and the installation requirements.